Lead Researcher (PI): Zhongwei Zou

Institution: Wilfrid Laurier University

Total WGRF Funding: $185,150

Co-Funders: Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission

Start Date: 2024

Project Length: 3 Years

Objectives:

Characterize (both molecular and morphological) Verticillium longisporum strains collected from canola growing regions in prairies. Assess pathogenicity and virulence of different V. longisporum populations on canola genotypes commonly grown in prairies. Determine the genetic diversity and population structure of the V. longisporum population. Develop KASP markers to better characterize V. longisporum populations prevalent the prairies. Characterize the genetic mechanisms of disease progression in canola.